Getting to Know the Editorial Board
Axel Maurice Szamberski, MD, Ph.D
Please see here for past editions of this section.
Axel Maurice Szamberski, MD, Ph.D, is an Associate Professor at CHU in Nice, France.
Do you consider yourself primarily a regional anesthesiologist, an acute pain practitioner, or a chronic pain specialist (or some combination of these)? What led you to choose this specialty?
I am a regional anesthesiologist. I have always been fascinated by the profound impact that regional anesthesia has on analgesia and its overall benefit to the patient. Throughout my career as an anesthesiologist, I have witnessed the remarkable efficacy of these techniques in providing targeted pain relief, reducing the need for opioids, and enhancing patient experience.
What do you like best about your job? What gets you excited about going to work?
It is a field that continuously evolves towards greater efficiency and the development of novel approaches to provide superior care.
How and when did you get involved with the journal? (perhaps you started as an author, perhaps a colleague encouraged you to apply for the editorial board, feel free to name names!)
My journey in regional anesthesia began during a fellowship at the center led by Xavier Capdevila. This experience was transformative. The excellence I found there in all areas of anesthesia profoundly influenced my approach to health care. Since, I have remained actively involved in regional anesthesia research and literature, contributing regularly to the Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (RAPM) journal as a reviewer and now as an associate editor.
Do you feel that your work with RAPM has had an impact on your career and if so, how?
It just the beginning!
What advice do you have for others interested in getting involved with serving on the editorial board of scientific journals?
Scientific journals are crucial for advancing anesthesiology, by sharing cutting-edge research and guidelines. Peer review ensures the integrity and quality of publications. This is a great honor to be a part of this process.
Is there anything you’d like to tell authors submitting articles to the journal, including advice for writing good articles or maybe a pet peeve you wish authors wouldn’t do?
My advice is to be straightforward and direct. It is crucial to present findings clearly, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. Negative results are as valuable as positive ones because they enhance our understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and why.
What has been your proudest career moment?
Probably the opportunity to collaborate with a global network of colleagues to significantly advance the field of patient experience assessment. The integration of these insights into clinical practice not only improves patient outcomes but also enriches the medical community’s approach to care.